Parliamentary Golf Group supports Scottish Pan-Disability Open

The Parliamentary Golf Group has shown its support for the Scottish Pan-Disability Open, which runs from 21 to 24 August.

On Monday (21 August), Group Chair Stephen Gethins MP attended the event, which is being held at the Fairmont Golf Course in St Andrews, and took part in a driving range clinic for beginners, as well as meeting some of those taking part in the tournament.

The competition, which is now in its sixth year, is organised by the Scottish Disability Golf Partnership and welcomes disabled golfers from across Scotland and beyond. The SDGP also organises a range of other golf projects, training and competitions across Scotland.

In July Gethins, who is Member of Parliament for North East Fife, tabled a motion in the House of Commons, which paid tribute to SDGP Chair Jim Gales MBE and his fellow organisers and staff for all their hard work in organising the event.

Speaking after the visit, Stephen Gethins MP said “it was an honour to attend the practice day of the Scottish Pan-Disability Open, and meet some of those taking part in the competition. Golf is a sport for all, and the Scottish Disability Golf Partnership do some fantastic work in providing playing opportunities for those with disabilities.”

“I wish all those taking part well, and hope that the event will inspire more people, and particularly those with disabilities, to get active and enjoy all the health and social benefits that golf can provide.”

Early day motion 205 – Sixth Scottish Pan-Disability Open

That this House congratulates the Scottish Disability Golf Partnership (SDGP) for organising the Sixth Scottish Pan-Disability Open at the Fairmont Golf Course in St Andrews; notes this European ranking event will run from 21 to 24 August 2017 and that participants will play over the Torrance and Kittocks courses to win the coveted Sidey and Caledonia Cups; further notes the SDGP is a charity governed and operated by disabled people which organises projects, golf training, events and competitions across Scotland; is impressed that the SDGP, which now has over 130 members, was the first golfing organisation in the world open to people of any age with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability that interferes with the playing or learning about the game of golf; pays tribute to SDGP Chair Jim Gales MBE, himself a keen golfer with retinitis pigmentosa, along with his fellow organisers and their staff for all their hard work in organising this event; wishes participants and spectators well; and looks forward to the continued success of both the SDGP and future Scottish Pan-Disability Opens.